You are here

America's Dan Peek Dies

America's Dan Peek Dies

America's Dan Peek DiesDan Peek, co-founder of GRAMMY-winning folk rock group America, died July 24 in the Cayman Islands. A cause of death was not provided. He was 60. Born the son of a United States Air Force officer, Peek met vocalists/guitarists Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell while his father was stationed in London and in 1970 the trio formed an acoustic folk rock group called Daze. The trio adopted the name America and signed a deal with Warner Bros. Records, releasing their self-titled debut in 1972. The album peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and that year earned the trio a GRAMMY Award for Best New Artist and a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus for the No. 1 hit "A Horse With No Name." Several more albums followed, including the Top 10 hit Hearts in 1975, before Peek left the group in 1976 to pursue a career as a contemporary Christian artist. (7/26)

Domingo Named IFPI ChairmanGRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY winner and 2010 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Plácido Domingo has been named chairman of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, the organization that represents the recording industry worldwide. In his role, Domingo will be responsible for promoting IFPI's priorities internationally, including improving copyright legislation, promoting the work of music rights owners, developing a thriving digital music sector, and supporting the industry's public education efforts surrounding digital music. (7/26)

GRAMMY APPS AVAILABLE NOW

Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of The Recording Academy. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for The Academy lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by The Recording Academy. BELIEVE IN MUSIC is a trademark and/or registered trademark of National Association of Music Merchants, Inc. Used under license.